Underwater LED flashlight system

Abstract

A flashlight is provided comprising a LED illumination source, a power source electrically coupled to said LED illumination source, and a solid body encapsulating the power source and at least a portion of the LED illumination source. The invention further includes an underwater illumination system comprising a glove having an interior, an inner surface, and an outer surface, and an underwater flashlight comprising a LED illumination source, a power source electrically coupled to the LED illumination source, a solid body encapsulating the power source and at least a portion of the LED illumination source, and a securing member for connecting the underwater flashlight to said glove. A method for making an underwater, pressure-resistant LED flashlight is provided for making an encapsulating solid body for the elements providing illumination.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to flashlights, and more specifically to a solid, pressure-resistant LED flashlight which is attachable over a user's hand, and to methods of making a solid, pressure-resistant LED flashlight.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Numerous underwater flashlight devices are known for SCUBA diving to provide illumination for the diver when diving at depths where natural lighting is limited. These known devices, however, suffer from numerous deficiencies. For example, such devices are not suitable for deeper dives because they are not able to handle the substantial pressures at such depths without being deformed and damaged. In particular, such underwater flashlights, while claiming to be “waterproof,” cannot withstand substantial pressures because their housings, while sealed, still contain air pockets which enable the device to be crushed at the substantial pressures associated with deep waters. Also, it is advantageous fo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a flashlight with a contoured bottom portion that can be mounted on a user's hand, and a securing member for attaching the flashlight to a glove or other object. The flashlight is encapsulated with a flexible material that encapsulates the power source and LED illumination source, and the encapsulation material is cured to form a solid flashlight body. The flashlight is detachably connected to the securing member, which can be easily attached and detached. The invention also provides an underwater illumination system with a flashlight and a glove. The flashlight is detachably connected to the glove or other object using clips, straps, or other suitable structures. The method of making the underwater LED flashlight involves forming a flashlight precursor body, curing the encapsulation material, and optionally disposing the LED illumination light source and power source within a housing."

Problems solved by technology

These known devices, however, suffer from numerous deficiencies.

For example, such devices are not suitable for deeper dives because they are not able to handle the substantial pressures at such depths without being deformed and damaged.

In particular, such underwater flashlights, while claiming to be “waterproof,” cannot withstand substantial pressures because their housings, while sealed, still contain air pockets which enable the device to be crushed at the substantial pressures associated with deep waters.

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